Why are Masakuni tools so expensive?

[Adair M]

Masakuni invented many of the specialized bonsai tools. Some work better than others.

I have tools from several makers, including Masakuni. Most of my tools are the standard black finish rather than stainless steel. I don't find that the extra cost of the stainless is worth it.

BVF: I recently purchased my first Kaneshin tool, direct from Japan. I haven't used it yet, wrapped it for Christmas. It does appear to be as nice as my Masakuni tools.

 

[Cypress187]

You know what my opinion is about expensive tools

 

[Adair M]

You know what my opinion is about expensive tools

Actually, I don't. But judging from your comment, I'd wager that you think they are a waste of money.

Maybe.

But I'll share something with you: the high quality ones, if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. I've only had to replace one Masakuni tool in 40 years. A concave cutter. I was having some work done at the house, and I guess a workman spotted them and figured they'd work as tile nippers! Uh, no. Major chips in the blades.

 

[Cypress187]

Actually, I don't. But judging from your comment, I'd wager that you think they are a waste of money. Maybe. But I'll share something with you: the high quality ones, if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. I've only had to replace one Masakuni tool in 40 years. A concave cutter. I was having some work done at the house, and I guess a workman spotted them and figured they'd work as tile nippers! Uh, no. Major chips in the blades.

Ouch..

It's that i don't like marketing-tricks and pricing products on their name and image, image doesn't add quality (and that image doesn't cut branches). I have 1 good tool, my wire cutter (stainless steel), and i like it very much so i will get better tools instead of the other crap i have, but not overpriced one's ofcourse If someone donated them to me i wouldn't refuse them tho I first got the wirecutter because there is no cheaper solution for this tool, the electric wire cutters are very bad (for bonsai) and the other one's are too short or fat to fit between branches. Next will be (a good) the concave cutter.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

BVF: I recently purchased my first Kaneshin tool, direct from Japan. I haven't used it yet, wrapped it for Christmas. It does appear to be as nice as my Masakuni tools.

I got some Kaneshin tools for my birthday this year; wire cutters, shears, spherical concave, large concave, and straight tweezers. Mechanically, on par with my Kiku and Masakuni tools, but Masakuni definitely has a better feel in the hand.
I'll be curious to hear opinions from those who have used both. I still like my Kikus, but probably because they're broken in so nicely after 20 years of use!

 

[Vin]

@Cypress187 Please show us a marketing trick, tool or even an advertisment from Masakuni (the manufacturer). I've not seen one and would like to see what kind of trickery they are using. Your comment is all about you, which is fine and I don't have a problem with that. What I don't care for is when someone makes assumptions and directs comments at others who they know nothing about.

 

[Adair M]

As I said, Masakuni invented specialized bonsai tools. As Brian said, they feel great in the hand. And last a long time.

Kinda like buying a Rolex watch. Are there others that tell time? Sure. Are they as timeless as a Rolex?

 

[GrimLore]

Have you worked with both Masakuni and Kaneshin?

I have and those and others like Joshua Roth. All are beautiful, work well, and were all special gifts over the years past. I can tell you for certain they are a nice to use and "pretty". I can also say it got to a point where I became less and less inclined to use them. Not because they are bad at all but I was running into to many situations were a training/work area had a concrete floor and a concentration of people (all strangers) and I felt I could ruin them by dropping them or loosing them in a parking lot theft, hotel, or similar(even my old ass leaving them behind). I am more comfy and less concerned with less expensive tools now. Honest kept sharp, clean, and lubricated an inexpensive set of Stanwood Carbons work just as well and I can keep a set in the trunk, shed, and plant room. Also I find many that have been into Bonsai feel the same. I don't care if one uses either type really and see no reason to judge in either direction... Now if I do an NPO Demo I do of course pull out the nice ones but that is a situation where I am in control Even here at this different smaller house I am not using them until after this Spring when I float a Cedar deck over the existing concrete. Perhaps a bit picky but they all hold "personal" value to me as 40 percent were gifted to me by people in my life that are gone. Silly but honest

Grimmy

Edit: To the OP they are expensive but as in any other Hobby or Art you can use or not, your choice for whatever reason. Honest I do not recommend the high end stuff at all for new people or those that do not use them a LOT which is not the average person here.

 

[Adair M]

For sure, use what you're comfortable with.